Department for Transport

Electric Vehicles: Grants

Baroness Randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact onindividual purchasers of electric vehicles who had initiated the purchase of a vehicle but who had not yet completed the legal process before their recent announcement that electric vehicle purchase grants will cease forthwith.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Due to the success of the Plug-in Car Grant and maturity of the plug-in car market, we now need to target our incentives where they have the most impact and deliver the greatest value for money to the taxpayer. The Plug in Car Grant has had significant impacts on building the early electric car market, which is now maturing. Although still important, price is no longer the paramount barrier to adoption of electric cars. To ensure fairness for customers and dealers, we will honour any orders placed in the two working days prior to the grant change announcements to cover any instances where cars may have been sold but grant applications not yet made on the Government portal. As long as the vehicle was ordered before the grant ended and the dealer correctly submitted the claim for the vehicle to the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles before the grant ended, it will be honoured. The vehicle must be delivered within 12 months of when the claim was submitted to qualify for the grant. The Plug-in Car Grant was just one way in which government provided support for zero emission vehicles. Generous tax incentives remain in place, including zero road tax, and favourable company car tax rates, which can save drivers over £2,000 a year.

Gatwick Airport: Air Traffic Control

Lord Soley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many flights (1) in, and (2) out, of Gatwick Airport were cancelled due to air traffic control problems (a) in total between 20 and 29 May, and (b) each day during that period.

Lord Soley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many flights in and out of Gatwick Airport were cancelled as a result of air traffic control problems on (1) 29 May, (2) 30 May, (3) 31 May, and (4) 1 June.

Lord Soley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the reason for the air traffic control problems that led to flight cancellations on (1) 26 May, (2) 27 May, (3) 28 May, (4) 29 May, and (5) 30 May.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: We are aware that over the periods specified, there were some limited times when flow restrictions where in place at Gatwick. These restrictions are managed locally and operational decisions are taken, depending upon a variety of factors, including weather, flow rates in European airspace, delays on the ground and operational safety. The safety of our skies is paramount, any decisions that air traffic controllers take will always prioritise safety.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Fossil Fuels: Exploration

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they willintroduce a ban on new fossil fuel developments in order to combat climate change; and if not, what are the reasons for this decision.

Lord Callanan: Oil and gas will play an important, yet smaller, role in meeting UK energy demand in the transition to net zero. The Government will introduce a climate compatibility checkpoint, which will be used to inform decisions on future licensing rounds, in keeping with the UK’s climate goals. Coal mining in the UK has been in long term decline reflecting falling domestic demand. There are only a handful of operational mines remaining in the UK. The Government has committed to phase-out coal power by 2024 – a year earlier than previously planned.

Companies: Registration

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many companies registered in the UK with Companies House have a PO Box as their registered office address.

Lord Callanan: As of 15 June 2022, there are 7,633 companies on the Register who have provided a current registered office address that contains a PO Box. The Registrar of Companies has the power to set a company's registered office address to a default Companies House address where a statutory process to dispute the address is complete. This default address includes PO Box 4385, and as of 5 June 2022 there are 9,005 companies registered to this address.

Kier Group: Audit

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish the names of recipients of fines levied upon PWC and its audit partner by the Financial Reporting Council for failures in auditing the statutory accounts of Kier Group plc.

Lord Callanan: The fine imposed by the Financial Reporting Council against PWC LLP in respect of the audit of the accounts of Kier Group plc was £3.35 million, adjusted for aggravating/mitigating factors and admissions/early disposal to £1,959,750. The fine imposed against the Audit Engagement Partner, Jonathan Hook, was £90,000, adjusted for aggravating/mitigating factors and admissions/early disposal to £52,650. As the FRC investigation was under the FRC’s Audit Enforcement Procedure, the fines are subject to the requirement in regulation 5(7) of the Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 2016 that the Financial Reporting Council must pay them to the Secretary of State at BEIS for remittance to the exchequer.

Government Departments: Heating

Lord Lucas: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord True on 28 April (HL7750), whether they will now answer the question put, namely what steps they are taking to promote energy efficiency in the public sector.

Lord Callanan: We aim to reduce direct emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037. To that end we are supporting the public sector to decarbonise heat and improve the energy efficiency of their estates by:Committing £2.5 billion until 2024/25 to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.Enabling the public sector to access the skills and expertise needed to plan heat decarbonisation/energy efficiency projects through the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund.Producing guidance such as that published through the Modern Energy Partners programme.

Rolls-Royce: Audit

Lord Sikka: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish the names of recipients of fines levied upon KPMG and its audit partners by the Financial Reporting Council for failures in auditing the statutory accounts of Rolls Royce.

Lord Callanan: The fine imposed by the Financial Reporting Council against KPMG LLP in respect of the audit of the accounts of Rolls Royce plc was £4.2 million, adjusted for admissions and early disposal to £3.375 million. The fine imposed against the Audit Engagement Partner, Anthony Sykes, was £150,000, adjusted for admissions and early disposal to £112,500. As the FRC investigation was under the FRC’s Audit Enforcement Procedure, the fines are subject to the requirement in regulation 5(7) of the Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 2016 that the Financial Reporting Council must pay them to the Secretary of State at BEIS for remittance to the exchequer.

Department of Health and Social Care

NHS: Incentives

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: To ask Her Majesty's Government why the calculated funding allocated for the local clinical excellence awards scheme is not based on all consultants treating patients in the NHS, including clinical academic consultants.

Lord Kamall: Access to the local clinical excellence award scheme is a contractual entitlement for all consultants employed on the 2003 terms and conditions. The central funding for awards is calculated on this basis. Clinical academics hold honorary contracts with the National Health Service and therefore have no contractual right to the scheme. However, employers continue to be encouraged to include clinical academics in the awards process.

Local Government and Social Services: Recruitment

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatplans they have to invest in a national recruitment andworkforce development campaign for (1) localauthorities, and (2) providers in the social care sector.

Lord Kamall: Since 2019, the Department has conducted national adult social care recruitment campaigns highlighting the wide variety of rewarding and stimulating roles available. The next phase of the campaign is planned for later in 2022. The Government will continue to work with the care sector to produce specific resources to assist care providers and local authorities to recruit staff.In addition, the Department has committed at least £500 million to develop and support the social care workforce, including training places and certifications, progression pathways, wellbeing initiatives and mental health support.

Prisoners: Mental Health

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ensure that the mental health of those sentenced to imprisonment is professionally checked before their sentence starts to ensure that they receive appropriate treatment; and whether they will consult the Prison Advice and Care Trust and other voluntary groups on this issue.

Lord Kamall: Liaison and diversion services operate at police stations and criminal courts to identify and assess people with vulnerabilities, such as substance misuse and mental ill-health and refer them to appropriate services and where appropriate, away from the justice system. The assessments assist magistrates and judges in sentencing decisions. We are also working with health and justice partners to increase the use of community sentence treatment requirements to reduce reoffending and custodial sentences by offering drug or alcohol treatment as part of a community sentence.Voluntary organisations and groups representing those with lived experience are regularly consulted by NHS England on decisions relating to offender health policy and have participated in developing policy on liaison and diversion services and Community Sentence Treatment Requirements.

Social Services: Standards

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have tosupport local authorities to improve the capacity of community support in the social care sector.

Lord Kamall: Local authorities have a responsibility to ensure there is sufficient workforce capacity to meet the care needs in the local area. We plan to launch the next national recruitment campaign in 2022/23. In addition, care workers are now eligible for the Health and Care Visa and are included in the Shortage Occupation List.

Hereditary Angioedema: Medical Treatments

Baroness Masham of Ilton: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their Vision for the Women's Health Strategy for England, published in December 2021, what assessment NHS England has made of the impact of long-term androgen use by women to treat hereditary angioedema (HAE); and how their use reflects women's needs.

Lord Kamall: No such assessment has been made.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Myanmar: Internally Displaced People and War Crimes

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Amnesty International's reportBullets rained from the sky,published on 31 May, about war crimes and displacement in eastern Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government is deeply concerned by Amnesty International's latest report which highlights widespread atrocities against communities in Kayin and Kayah States, including indiscriminate attacks against civilians. We have been clear in our condemnation of the military coup in Myanmar. We are committed to ending the culture of impunity and continue to push for de-escalation of violence to create space for a political resolution. We are also fully committed to responding to urgent humanitarian needs, particularly for the most vulnerable communities, as well as supporting and sustaining the pro-democracy movement.We are using sanctions to target the military's access to equipment which allows them to continue their campaign of violence. We have provided £500,000 to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar which collects and preserves evidence of human rights violations for future prosecution. We also established the Myanmar Witness programme which gathers and reports on open-source information on serious human rights violations and abuses, including those against the Rohingya.

Greece and Turkey: Politics and Government

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek to establish a dialogue through NATO towards resolving all outstanding territorial issues between Greece and Turkey.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Greece and Turkey are close friends and allies to the UK. We encourage both countries to resolve issues through dialogue. We support measures, such as using existing deconfliction mechanisms within NATO structures, aimed at de-escalation and reduction of tensions. The UK will continue to work with all parties in support of this.

Myanmar: Humanitarian Aid

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what humanitarian assistance they are providing in Myanmar; and what plans they have to increase aid to provide emergency assistance (1) to the internally displaced, and (2) refugees on adjoining borders.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Meeting humanitarian needs remains a key priority for the UK. We continue to provide humanitarian assistance through international Non-Governmental Organisations, UN agencies and the Red Cross, including food, water, hygiene and sanitation services, shelter and medical equipment, to the most vulnerable in Myanmar, especially those in displacement camps.Since the coup the UK has provided £49.4 million in aid to Myanmar, the majority for humanitarian and healthcare assistance. £24 million of this has been spent on emergency assistance to over 600,000 internally displaced people and refugees on the borders with Thailand, Bangladesh, India and China. The UK continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya in Bangladesh, and to the Rohingya and other vulnerable groups who remain in Myanmar's Rakhine State. The UK has been a leading donor to the Rohingya response in Bangladesh, providing over £330 million since 2017.The UK will remain a leading donor to the humanitarian response in Myanmar.

Israeli Settlements: Travel

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey have made of new Israeli travel entry requirements for the West Bank which came into force on 22 May which were reported to place additional restrictions and surveillance on visitors to those areas, except for those visiting Israeli settlements.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are monitoring this issue closely and engaging the Israeli Authorities to understand their application and potential implications. As a friend of Israel, we have a regular dialogue on human rights. We continue to stress to the Israeli authorities the damage that their restrictions on movement, access and trade are doing to the living standards of ordinary Palestinians.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel about the reported arrest of a Palestinian child by Israeli forces during this year’s Jerusalem flag march.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned about the security situation in Jerusalem and look to all parties to take steps to de-escalate tensions. Israel's extensive use of administrative detention, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian children.

Development Aid

Baroness Hodgson of Abinger: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the remarks byLord Goldsmith of Richmond Park on 6 June (HL Deb col 1027), when the new conflict and atrocity prevention hub will be established; where it will be based; and what its remit will be.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The FCDO is creating a dedicated department for conflict prevention and conflict related atrocity prevention within the Office for Conflict, Mediation and Stabilisation. We anticipate that this process will be complete by the end of June, and staff will be based across FCDO's UK offices. The department will design and test a comprehensive approach to upstream conflict and atrocity prevention, while engaging globally with key bilateral partners and multilateral organisations to improve prevention efforts. A new early warning system will also be developed to better identify, understand and respond to conflict and atrocity risks. The department will be the secretariat of a cross-government mass atrocities prevention hub bringing together the expert elements of atrocity prevention that sit with other departments in the FCDO.

USA: Gender Based Violence

Baroness Helic: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United States regarding that government'sStrategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally,published in June 2016 and currently being updated; and what steps they are taking to encourage alignment of that government's strategy with their Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In March, the UK's Special Envoy for Gender Equality and Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Girls Education met with the White House Gender Policy Council where they discussed updates to the 2016 United States' Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally, as well as progress on the development of the United States' first ever government-wide National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. In May, the United States joined a Roundtable chaired by myself as the Prime Minister's Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, to discuss coordinating activity addressing conflict-related sexual violence, including in the lead up to the international conference the UK will host on this issue later this year.We will continue to work with the United States to drive more effective, joined-up donor action to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), including through co-chairing a donor group to bring together public and private funders on GBV policy and programming, through collaborating on our flagship 'What Works to Prevent Violence: Impact at Scale Programme', as members of the Call to Action on the Prevention of GBV in Emergencies, and in the run up to the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Conference in November 2022.

Gaza: Israel

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that an Israeli airstrike on an agrochemical warehouse in Gaza in May 2021 constituted the use of chemical weapons.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We recognise Israel's legitimate need to deploy security measures and we encourage them to deploy these in a way that minimises tension and uses appropriate force. We call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation.

Myanmar: Political Prisoners

Baroness Nye: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have raised the pending executions of four Myanmar political prisoners including the democracy activists (1) Phyo Zeya Thaw, and (2) Ko Jimmy, with their UN Security Council counterparts.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government is deeply concerned by reports that the military have sentenced pro-democracy activists and leaders, including Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy, to death. Both Minister Milling, and the British Embassy in Yangon, have made it clear that the UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances. We once again call on the military regime to respect human rights and the rule of law. We continue to use all available multilateral fora, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), to raise these concerns. On 8 December 2021, the UK secured a UNSC Press Statement condemning the sentencing of pro-democracy leaders and calling for the release of all those in arbitrary detention.

LGBT+ People: Equality

Lord Black of Brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plansthey have to create a new fund to support global LGBT+ rights and equality.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is currently working though a business planning process. Decisions on funding for LGBT+ programmes will be made in due course. LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights. The UK is committed to championing these rights internationally and supporting those who defend them.

Early Warning Systems: Diseases and Terrorism

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken, in conjunction with allied countries, to establish a global early-warning system for (1) pandemics, and (2) terror attacks using biological or chemical weapons.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK plays a leading role in strengthening pandemic early warning systems including the development of the new International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN). The UK is working with G7 members on the development of WHO's Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence. Through bilateral and multilateral health investments, the UK also supports low- and middle-income countries to strengthen their routine disease surveillance systems.The UK opposes any use of chemical or biological weapons. We are committed to upholding the effective global implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons Convention. We work closely with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to ensure readiness to respond to any use of chemical weapons, including by non-state actors. In 2021, under the UK's Presidency, the G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction launched its Signature Initiative working with partner countries to promote the development of detection and early warning systems for chemical and biological attacks.

Hebron: Housing

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of plans to build a new Jewish housing development in the Old City of Hebron on the prospects of a two-state solution in the region.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the physical viability of the two-state solution. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation.

Niger: Refugees

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need for people from Yewa in Ogun state Nigeria to seek refuge in the Republic of Niger, following attacks on their villages in 2021.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Increasing insecurity across Nigeria is having a  devastating impact on affected communities. We continue to urge and support the Nigerian Government to take action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence, and we committed to work together to respond to insecurity in Nigeria at our Security and Defence Dialogue in February. We are also monitoring the strain that the conflict in Nigeria is placing on neighbouring countries such as Niger. The UK is providing ongoing support to Niger to meet the acute humanitarian needs of over 1.6 million people including refugees, and we will continue to work with international partners to monitor the impacts of the conflict in Nigeria on neighbouring countries.

Nigeria: Methodist Church

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the abduction of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We are aware of the abduction of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria alongside other clerics. They have now been released. The UK Government condemns kidnappings across Nigeria, and calls for the release of those still held captive.Through our Security and Defence Partnership with Nigeria, we are working together to help build capacity to respond to kidnaps. We are providing mentoring and capacity-building support to Nigerian Police Force units to improve their anti-kidnap capacity, to help reduce harm to victims, and to hold those responsible to account.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel about the reported arrest of a Palestinian child by Israeli security forces in the West Bank on 29 May, for throwing rocks.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are concerned about the security situation in Jerusalem and look to all parties to take steps to de-escalate tensions. Israel's extensive use of administrative detention, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian children.

Ahmad Usman and Deborah Yakubu

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatrepresentations they have made to the government of Nigeria following the immolation of Ahmad Usman in Abuja on 5 June and Deborah Emmanuel in Sokoto state on 12 May.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The recent murders of Ahmad Usman in Abuja and of Deborah Samuel in Sokoto State were barbaric and heinous acts. The UK Government condemns their killings and will continue to urge the relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators face justice in line with the law. The Minister for Africa expressed her profound sadness at their tragic deaths in the House on 6 June and our Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja raised Deborah's murder in a meeting with the Nigerian Government last month.The UK Government engages regularly with members of the Nigerian Government on insecurity in Nigeria, and the need to protect and promote human rights for all, including the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). The Minister for Africa raised FoRB in a call with the Nigerian Foreign Minister in May and, during her visit to Nigeria in February, she discussed, among other issues, the deteriorating security situation with the Vice President and Foreign Minister.

Nigeria: Religious Freedom

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, whether they have shared any evidence of atrocities in Nigeria with the International Criminal Court; what assessment they have made of whether religious discrimination is the cause of attacks on Nigerian churches and communities; and whether they have shared any evidence of religious discrimination in any evidence submitted to the International Criminal Court.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We have not shared any evidence of atrocities or of religious discrimination in Nigeria with the International Criminal Court.We are aware that places of worship have been targeted in incidents of intercommunal violence in Nigeria, and condemn all such attacks; the motives behind these attacks vary, and are not always clear. In a country with a highly religious population, we recognise that religious identity can be a factor in incidents of violence, but the root causes are often complex and frequently relate to over resources, historical grievances, and criminality. The UK will continue to play a constructive role in calming these tensions and supporting solutions which meet the needs of all affected communities.

Myanmar: Political Prisoners

Baroness Nye: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regarding the pending executions of four Myanmar political prisoners, including the democracy activists (1) Phyo Zeya Thaw, and (2) Ko Jimmy.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK Government is deeply concerned by reports that the military have sentenced pro-democracy activists and leaders, including Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy, to death. Both Minister Milling, and the British Embassy in Yangon, have made it clear that the UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances. We once again call on the military regime to respect human rights and the rule of law. We continue to use all available fora to raise these concerns, including raising privately with ASEAN counterparts.

Ministry of Defence

Refugees: Afghanistan

Baroness Coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Afghan interpreters have received security clearance for relocation to the UK but have not yet been able to travel; and when those people are expected to travel.

Baroness Goldie: As of 15 June 136, ARAP principals who have passed UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) checks are currently waiting relocation to the UK from third countries. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of these figures by job role.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Baroness Coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Afghan interpreters have applied for relocation to the UK and are awaiting security clearance.

Baroness Goldie: As of 15 June 2022, 163 ARAP principals who have received offer letters are awaiting the completion of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) checks in advance of travel to the UK. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of these figures by job role.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Baroness Coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Afghan interpreters are still eligible for relocation to the UK; and under which schemes.

Baroness Goldie: As of 15 June 2022, there are approximately 792 ARAP principals who have been confirmed as being eligible for relocation but have not yet arrived in the UK. Category 2 of the ARAP scheme requires eligible persons to have been directly employed by HMG or contracted to provide linguistic services in support of the UK's Armed Forces, on or after 1 October 2001. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the total figure by job role.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Baroness Coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Afghan interpreters have been relocated to the UK to date (1) from Afghanistan, and (2) from a third country.

Baroness Goldie: As of 15 of June 2022, a total of 1,138 ARAP principals have been relocated to the UK from Afghanistan or a third country since the end of Op PITTING. Category 2 of the ARAP scheme requires eligible persons to have been directly employed by HMG or contracted to provide linguistic services in support of the UK's Armed Forces, on or after 1 October 2001. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the total figure by job role.

Queen's Guards: Uniforms

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of tests conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in April 2022 on the drying rate and compression properties of faux bear fur for the ceremonial caps worn by the Queen’s Guard; whether those results meet Ministry of Defence requirements; and if so, whether they will now consider introducing faux fur for ceremonial caps.

Baroness Goldie: We are aware that there may have been further testing conducted on this artificial fur in April 2022, however the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its business partner Leidos are not parties to this research and cannot therefore comment on these test results. Previous analysis of testing conducted on the faux fur fabric showed it met only one of the five requirements necessary to be considered as a viable alternative for ceremonial caps. Whilst it met the basic standard for water absorption, it showed unacceptable rates of water shedding and performed poorly on the visual assessment. As the artificial fur didn't meet the standards required for a ceremonial cap which is worn throughout the year and in all weathers, the MOD has no plans to take this fake fur fabric forward.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Baroness Coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many family members of Afghan interpreters (1) have been relocated to the UK, and (2) are awaiting relocation to the UK having received security clearance.

Baroness Goldie: Since the ARAP schemed opened in April 2021, Defence has relocated over 9,500 ARAP eligible people to the UK, of this over 4,000 have been family members and other dependants.As of 15 June, 136 ARAP principals who have passed UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) checks are awaiting relocation to the UK from third countries. We cannot provide the number of ARAP dependants who have passed UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) checks and are awaiting relocation.It is not possible to provide a breakdown of these figures by job role.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Pets: Theft

Lord Black of Brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the report by Pet Theft AwarenessThe Cat Theft Report 2022, published on 20 March; and what steps they will take to tackle pet abduction.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: In response to concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft during Covid restrictions, the Government set up the Pet Theft Taskforce to investigate. The Taskforce gathered, researched and commissioned work to build a clear evidence base of the issue and worked with police, law enforcement, and experts to formulate recommendations. Since publication of the report, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice continue to work together to implement the Taskforce’s recommendations and take into account new evidence, including the Cat Theft Report 2022. The Taskforce's recommendations included the creation of a new 'pet abduction' offence to recognise that pets are not mere items of property and to recognise the potential impact on their welfare when they are taken by strangers. The offence as currently drafted in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill focuses on dogs, with enabling powers. The inclusion of the enabling powers means that the Secretary of State will be able to extend the offence to other species of companion animal in the future by making regulations. The Government listened closely to views expressed on this issue during its Commons Committee stage, in particular whether cats should also be included with dogs at the outset, and the Government is currently considering this issue carefully. The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill completed its Commons Committee Stage in November and following the passing of a carryover motion by the House on 25 April 2022, will continue its passage in the next Session. The Bill will be reintroduced in the third session in the form in which it was suspended and go straight to Report stage in the House of Commons before continuing its passage in the House of Lords.

Walley's Quarry Landfill: Licensing

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask Her Majesty's Government why the Environment Agency has not suspended the permit for Walleys Quarry landfill in Staffordshire, despite reports of over 60 permit breaches since the beginning of 2019

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Environment Agency (EA) continues to require Walleys Quarry Ltd. to take all the necessary steps to achieve a reduction in hydrogen sulphide (H 2S) levels, based on the recommendations of the UKHSA. These actions are set out in the EA's plan to reduce H 2S emissions at the landfill site, which is published on its citizen space web page: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/west-midlands/walleys-quarry-landfill-sliverdale/#section2 and attached to this answer. There are four air quality monitoring units around Walleys Quarry Landfill, monitoring air quality 24 hours a day - the highest number ever deployed by the EA. Ministers are updated weekly on the situation at the site. The EA has required remedial actions to be taken using Compliance Assessment Reports. In March 2021, the EA served an Enforcement Notice which required Walleys Quarry Ltd. to complete capping works on the site. In May 2022, the EA served an Enforcement Notice requiring Walleys Quarry Ltd. to submit new waste acceptance procedures, part of its environment management system, by 10 June 2022. Service of a Suspension Notice represents an escalation of enforcement response. Any Suspension Notice would need to specify the risk of pollution, and the steps required to be taken to remove that risk and comply with the permit condition. If an operator is completing actions to remedy permit breaches set by the EA, a Suspension Notice is less likely to be considered a proportionate response. The EA has not ruled out serving a Suspension Notice. The EA would consider suspending permitted activities where it has compelling evidence to support the conclusion that a specific permit breach involves a risk of pollution. Work to install permanent and temporary capping on Phases 1 and 2 of the landfill is ongoing and expected to be completed by later this month (June 2022). Walleys Quarry Ltd is obliged to install the required landfill gas management infrastructure for the next phases for waste tipping in line with a Landfill Gas Management Plan, which the EA agrees is appropriate to manage the risks of pollution.Walleys Quarry H2S emissions plan (pdf, 313.0KB)

Home Office

Cats: Theft

Lord Black of Brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government how manycat thefts have been recorded in each of the last 10 years for which records are available.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Information on the number of recorded cat thefts is not held centrally.We recognise the distress pet theft causes and are committed to preventing these cruel crimes.However, information on the scale of pet theft was gathered as part of the Pet Theft Taskforce, which engaged a number of key organisations and experts in the field to shine a light on the existing evidence and is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pet-theft-taskforce-report/pet-theft-taskforce-report.

Police: Pepper Spray and Stun Guns

Baroness Blower: To ask Her Majesty's Government under whatcircumstances police officers are permitted to be in possession of (1) PAVA spray, and (2) TASER, when they are off duty.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Decisions around the equipping of police officers with PAVA spray and TASER are operational matters for Chief Constables.

Speed Limits: Cameras

Lord Trefgarne: To ask Her Majesty's Government who is responsible for ensuring the (1) accuracy, and (2) reliability, of electronic devices used to measure the speed of vehicles on (a) motorways, and (b) other major highways; and whether they have any plans to amend these arrangements.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government’s Home Office Type Approval (HOTA) process oversees the accuracy and reliability of vehicle speed measurement devices to ensure they meet the specified requirements. Manufacturers work with Road Safety Support to test the accuracy of speed cameras and provide test reports as part of the HOTA submission process. These reports are reviewed by scientific colleagues at the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) who will then make a recommendation on a device’s suitability for Type Approval.

Migrants and Refugees

The Earl of Dundee: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK's performance in hosting (1) refugees, and (2) migrants, compared to other Council of Europe member states, particularly with reference to (a) education, (b) apprenticeships, (c) employment, and (d) levels of integration.

Lord Harrington of Watford: The UK has a long history of supporting refugees in need of protection. Our resettlement schemes have provided safe and legal routes for tens of thousands of people to start new lives in the UK.The UK is a global leader in resettlement. Since 2015, we have resettled more than 200,000 people through safe and legal routes direct from regions of conflict and instability.Additionally, data collected from UNHCR from 2017-2021 shows the UK has resettled the 4th largest number of refugees worldwide. And when compared to the EU, has resettled the second highest number of refugees (c.20,000 people over that period, behind Sweden which resettled c.22,000).The Home Office publishes data on refugees and other migrants in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’, including international asylum comparisons in the chapter ‘How many people do we grant asylum or protection to?’. The ‘List of tables’ shows all the latest data tables available from the release. The latest data relates to March 2022. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.The Home Office published an ‘Indicators of Integration framework’ in 2019, which provides a framework to support local and national practitioners in developing strategies and in measuring progress in the integration of refugees and other groups.The Indicators of Integration framework has underpinned our approach to evaluating the VPRS and VCRS refugee resettlement schemes, which involved quantitative and qualitative research, and we are now working with the Office of National Statistics to explore longer-term integration outcomes for refugees via administrative data collected by other government departments.With the closure of VPRS and VCRS to new arrivals in February 2021, and the subsequent launch of new schemes (UKRS, ACRS and ARAP), we are building on our previous evaluation to develop an approach to evaluating ongoing refugee resettlement, which we expect to publish later this year.

Asylum: Afghanistan

Lord Field of Birkenhead: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Afghan asylum seekers who have been admitted as refugees since August 2021 have not yet received their biometric residence permits.

Lord Harrington of Watford: Over 15,000 people were supported to come to the UK directly following the evacuation of Afghanistan, and in the nine months since Op Pitting, we have helped a further 4,000 people to safety in the UK, via neighbouring countries. Those who arrived in the UK were granted limited leave to enter which allows access to public funds and employment.We are continuing the process of granting Indefinite Leave to Remain to everyone who arrived during the evacuation, and who is eligible. Biometric Residence Permits are produced automatically, usually within a few weeks of people being granted Indefinite Leave to Remain.We have made arrangements to ensure prospective employers and landlords can contact the Home Office to confirm individuals’ right to take employment and rented accommodation prior to them receiving a Biometric Residence Permit.The data on those who have received their Biometrics Residency Permits is internal management data and therefore not suitable for publication at this stage.

Visas: Ukraine

The Earl of Dundee: To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the average delay in processing Ukraine visa applications in (1) April, and (2) May; and what steps they have taken to reduce visa processing delays.

Lord Harrington of Watford: Information on the number of visas granted under these schemes can be on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) visa data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)Finalised data on Ukraine visa applications will be included in the quarterly Immigration Statistics.UK Visas and Immigration have received thousands of applications for the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme. UKVI are processing these as quickly as possible, and additional caseworkers have been brought in to manage this demand.Applications are normally processed in date order from when documents were uploaded, or after an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). We are working seven days a week to process applications.From 11 May, customers can use the UK Immigration: ID check app to prove their identity if they have a valid Ukrainian international passport. This application process is more convenient meaning that they do not need to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to enrol biometric information.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Freedom of Information

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the maximum time for internal reviews of freedom of information responses from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities; and what proportion of responses were completed and communicated to the requester within 20 working daysduring the first quarter of 2022.

Lord Greenhalgh: There is no statutory time limit on responding to internal reviews relating to Freedom of Information requests. Internal reviews can vary in complexity, including large volumes of information, and the need to consult with third parties. The Freedom of Information Code of Practice provides guidance for public authorities on best practice in meeting their responsibilities under Part I of the Act. It sets the standard for all public authorities when considering how to respond to internal reviews.

Natural Gas: Surrey

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effects of their decision to grant planning permission to explore for gas in Dunsfold on their efforts to combat climate change.

Lord Greenhalgh: Full reasons for the decision, made by the Minister of State for Housing on behalf of the Secretary of State, are set out in the decision letter that was published on 7 June 2022.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service: Disclosure of Information

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government why they used the section 21 Freedom of Information Act 2000 exemption in their 27 May response to a request relating to optimism bias in the costing of the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre (FOI 17451012); and where the information requested is already available on the (1) percentage allowance for optimism bias, (2) category of project, (3) mitigation factor, and (4) optimism bias factor.

Lord Greenhalgh: We received a request for information which precisely matched a parliamentary question. The answer to the parliamentary question is publicly available (attached) https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2021-10-15/56726. Written question  (pdf, 65.7KB)

Cabinet Office

Government Departments: Buildings

Lord Birt: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to decarbonise the heating of buildings accommodating government departments (1) on, and (2) close to, Whitehall.

Lord True: The primary source of heating for government offices in Whitehall is the Whitehall District Heating System, which is operated by the Government Property Agency (GPA). GPA has ongoing plans to reduce carbon emissions from and decarbonise the district heating system. In 2021/22FY, a pipework lagging project was completed to reduce heat losses and provide carbon savings.In 2022/23FY, it is planned to start a project to lower the operating temperature of the system from 145oC to 95oC.Forecast reductions in Carbon from the completion of both projects is approximately 17%.GPA has plans from 2025 to consider a decarbonisation of the Whitehall Boiler System that feeds the district heating system. Other government office projects are ongoing in and around Whitehall to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions through upgrades to LED lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems.

Senior Civil Servants: Overseas Workers

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord True on 6 June (HL302), how many UK-based (1) Permanent Secretaries, and (2) Senior Civil Servants, have been working from abroad at any time in the last 24 months.

Lord True: As I stated in my response to HL302 on 6 June, the Cabinet Office does not hold departmental information about civil servants in UK-based senior leadership roles working from abroad.In terms of departmental records, these records are not collected by the Cabinet Office, with information captured at a line manager level.Working abroad has always been by exception in the Cabinet Office and is not permitted unless there is a specific business need or under the most exceptional of circumstances (an example of which might be where an employee’s partner is a civil servant and is permanently posted abroad).This is still the current position of the Cabinet Office.

Treasury

Stamp Duty Reserve Tax: Exemptions

Lord Cromwell: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether theyintend toupdate current Stamp Duty Reserve Tax legislation to ensure that the growth market exemption can apply to regulated recognised growth markets that are not part of a recognised stock exchange.

Baroness Penn: There are currently no plans to extend the recognised growth market exemption from Stamp Duty Reserve Tax to markets that are not part of a recognised stock exchange. However, as with all aspects of the tax system, the Government will continue to keep this legislation under review.

Financial Services: Fundraising

Lord Cromwell: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether regulated securities such as equity and debt are classified as digital assets; and what consideration they have given to the possible future use of such securities as a mechanism of fundraising.

Baroness Penn: The regulatory treatment of a particular asset or instrument depends on its structure, the rights attached to it and how it is used in practice. The FCA set out in its 2019 perimeter guidance that certain digital assets have characteristics which mean they are the same as or akin to traditional instruments like shares, debentures or units in a collective investment scheme. Such assets are therefore within the scope of FCA regulation, and it is the responsibility of firms that use them to ensure they are meeting relevant regulatory requirements. The Government is taking forward various initiatives in this space. The Government’s response to the Call for Evidence on the Investment and Wholesale uses of Cryptoassets published earlier this year made clear that legislation should be technology-neutral and able to accommodate innovation – such as distributed ledger technology – that could more easily enable the transfer of assets. The Government also set out its plans for a Financial Market Infrastructure Sandbox, which could enable firms to test the use of digital technologies in financial markets. As announced by the Economic Secretary on 4 April, the Government will also be undertaking a programme of work to explore the possibilities for applying distributed ledger technology to the debt issuance process. Separately, the Law Commission has been tasked by Government to make recommendations for private law reform to ensure that private law is capable of accommodating certain digital assets, including cryptoassets, and to clarify their legal status as objects of property rights.

Bank Services: Cybersecurity

Lord Blunkett: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation they have undertaken with banking and finance industry bodies about the new requirements for two factor authentication for online payments, in particular relating to (1) potential disruption to business continuity, (2) consumer confidence, and (3) the cost of additional time incurred.

Baroness Penn: Regulatory technical standards relating to Strong Customer Authentication have been introduced across retail banking and payment services. These set industry requirements regarding two-factor authentication, for which the Financial Conduct Authority is the responsible authority.The FCA consulted ahead of making regulatory technical standards for strong customer authentication, and have taken steps to ensure that as far as possible retailers are ready, including working though UK Finance and engaging with retailer trade bodies. Recognising concerns about industry readiness, and to account for impacts of COVID-19, implementation for card-based e-commerce transactions was postponed in several stages, from September 2019 to March 2022.The rules aim to ensure that the person requesting access to your account, or trying to make a payment, is either you or someone to whom you have given consent. This is in order to enhance consumer protection and improve security.

Cryptocurrencies: Carbon Emissions

Lord Birt: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the carbon footprint of the operation of cyber currencies.

Baroness Penn: The government is committed to positioning the UK at the forefront of green finance and recognises the issue of rising energy consumption from certain cryptoassets. The government’s consultation later this year on regulating a wider set of cryptoasset activities will reflect green commitments and ensure that the approach is aligned to environmental objectives including the UK’s net zero target. In this context, the government notes that some cryptoassets may be based on ‘proof of stake’ blockchain systems and may not face energy-consumption issues which typically relate to the ‘mining’ or proof-of-work process underpinning certain cryptoassets. The government welcomes the efforts of some cryptoassets to move to more energy efficient ‘proof of stake’ processes. The government takes concerns about the environmental impacts of cryptoassets seriously and is closely monitoring developments within the cryptoasset industry, including rising energy usage associated with certain cryptoassets.